A carefully selected variety of plants should beckon invaluable pollinators, and other winged visitors, to your garden. Offer shady spots and a steady source of clean water. Don’t expect to see immediate results, especially for bees and butterflies. Once your sanctuary is established, though, it will be buzzing for years.
These creatures are drawn to nectar-producing flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Note that butterflies tend to like flat blossoms, such as daisies, while bees are more universal in their attractions.
Monarch butterflies are in decline. Help in the repopulation effort by planting two of their primary food sources: wild milkweed and butterfly weed.